engineering management 364 -- value analysis dr. venkat allada april 2001

Kimberly K. McAdamsEmgt364 - Value Analysis1

Engineering Management 364 -- Value AnalysisDr. Venkat Allada

April 2001

Value Analysis of a

Leaf Blower / Vacuum / Mulcher


Table of Contents

• Objective & Background• Gantt Chart• Customer needs• Function Identification and Modeling• Next Steps


Objective

• Project objective is to analyze the value of a leaf blower / mulcher with the goal of increasing the overall value of the product. Value may increase by either increasing functionality and /or decreasing cost.

CostFunctionValue


Background• Leaf blowers debuted on a wide scale in the consumer

market in the early 1990’s. Over the last decade they have continued to evolve as a common tool used to clean yard waste. Many models now vacuum and mulch yard waste in addition to the traditional blowing function.


Project Status and Gantt Chart


Gantt Chart(last updated 3/12/01)


Customer Needs


Customer Needs

When & why do you use this type of product? Walk us through a typical session using the product What do you like about the existing products? What do you dislike about the existing products? What issues do you consider when purchasing the product?

Five Customers / Product Users were interviewed: Dan Michelle Julie Paul Myself

• To better understand the needs of a customer who would purchase and use this product, personal interviews were conducted. During each interview, the user was allowed to operate the product, and the following questions were asked.


Summary of Customer Needs-1Customer Statement Customer NeedTypical Uses1. To clean off my driveways & sidewalks Cleans outdoor surfaces2. “Corral” leaves into garden to either till under or to bag Collects leaves3. Blow out gutter when it is clogged up Unclogs gutters 4. Maybe to create some mulch from dry leaves and grass Mulches leaves and grass5. I’ve never used a leaf blower. Personally don’t understand just blowing leaves. Why don’t you just pick them up?

Likes6. Like mechanism to prevent cord from coming unplugged Blower / mulcher helps prevent

inadvertently unplugging cord7. Pretty light (weight) Blower / mulcher is lightweight8. Feels pretty balanced; but seems to be designed for use with Blower / mulcher is balanced when 2 hands; sometimes I go around with the blower in one holding with one hand hand and clippers in another9. Changing from blowing to mulching is easy Modules are easy to interchange


Summary of Customer Needs-2Customer Statement Customer Need Dislikes10. Prefer the variable speed on a gas one; Blower / mulcher has easily this is much more difficult adjustable speed control

11. “Hate” electric; can’t take them everywhere I go; can Blower / mulcher is safe to use; trip over the cord; especially dangerous on the roof Blower / mulcher can be used w/out

an extension cord

12. Too difficult to change speeds; not variable; takes 2 hands Can change speeds with one hand

Blower / mulcher has variable speed


Summary of Customer Needs-3Customer Statement Customer Need Recommended Improvements13. Would consider a battery powered / rechargeable Product needs to be high-powered if it had high power14. Wish it was lighter Blower / mulcher is lightweight15. The orange thing that doesn’t move Blower speed is easy to adjust 16. Really need a better storage option like hooks on all pieces Blower / mulcher is easy to store17. Bag should not be white; it looks filthy. Bag stays looking clean18. Would like a more comfortable strap that could be used Product is well supported during use during blowing or mulching to better support the product 19. It should have a handle on the models so they just don’t Modules are easy to interchange; spring off and you have a nice place to hold them Module remains secure during changing20. It should have a deal so it can sit on the ground Blower / mulcher remains without falling over on its side. upright when placed on ground21. Bag should be separable so you can put it in Bag is washable / easy to clean the washing machine22. Should have a smaller, wider attachment to vacuum bushes Mulcher can vacuum bushes23. Should be more balanced for one hand operation Blower / mulcher can be used w/ 1 hand


Function Identification and Modeling


Overall Function Model(High-level BASIC Function)

• Human • Electricity• Gravity

• Human hands• Human shoulder • Human hip• Leaves / Grass• Cord• Dirt• Air

• On / Off

Clean Surface

• Heat• Noise• Vibration

• Air• Mulch• Dirt• Human

• On / Off• Full• Blow speed• Aligned

Energy

Material

Signal

Leaf Blower / Mulcher


Compare & choose

product

Activity Diagram-1(Leaf Blower / Mulcher = “product”)

Unpack product

Read directions

Purchase product

Transport product

Assemble product

TIME



Attach cord

Attach bag

Secure bag strap

Attach vac/mulch assembly

Attach blower

assemblyPosition product

Turn on

Observe speed

Set speed



Guide product

Replace bag assy

Unzip bag

Empty bag

Remove vac/mulch assembly

Turn OFF

Observe cleanliness

Clean surface

Back to “position product”



Remove cord

Repair product

Clean product

Store product

Dispose product

Back to “attach cord”


Function Identification1. Motor Assembly

Cord w/ socket import electricity On / Off Switch import signal; display signalHandle (1) import handHandle (2) import handRelease button release sub-assemblyLatch secure sub-assemblyCord lock secure cordMotor assembly convert energy; Fan increase velocity

2. Blower AssemblyNozzle main direct air*Nozzle end direct airBody side 1 Body side 2 Speed adjust regulate speed


Function Identification, continued

3. Vacuum / Mulcher AssemblyNozzle main direct air*Nozzle end direct airBody side 1 Body side 2 Screws (qty6) Bag assembly

bag hold mulchzipper permit entryattach piece attach bagstrap support bag


FAST Diagram

CLEAN

SURFACE

BLOW DEBRIS

MULCH DEBRIS

VACUUMNDEBRIS

(high-level function)

(basic functions)

MOVE DEBRIS

COLLECT DEBRIS

REDUCE DEBRIS

HOW WHY

(design concept functions)


Next Steps

Next…..• Complete FAST Diagram• Complete Bill of Materials• Begin Cost Analysis

Then…..• Creativity and Evaluation phases

engineering management 364 -- value analysis dr. venkat allada april 2001

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